NOISE LEVEL ASSESSMENT -A CASE STUDY IN ST. THOMAS MOUNT - CHENNAI

Noise is a conspicuous element of the environment comprising noise from road traffic, aircraft, rail road, industries, noise in building and consumer products. Noise created by rail transport is comparatively low to that of road transport. Due to improper laying of railway lines near the urban areas people living around it are largely affected by the noise produced by road transport. Noise pollution affects human health particularly in the compactly colonised urban areas which results in headache, fatigue, sleep disturbances, blood pressure, temporary or permanent deafness. The study is carried out at St. Thomas mount (Chennai) which is known for its holy place, historical eminence, international prominence and tourist attraction with compactly colonised area in Chennai. This survey regarding noise is carried out at four different locations such as residence, school, hospital, and level crossing surrounding the railway line in St. Thomas mount. Consecutive readings are recorded in each location for a week at peak hours in the units of decibel using sound level meter. The minimum and maximum noise level is identified for each location between 7:00am- 10:00am and 5:00pm – 8:00pm and is then compared with the limits given by CPCB. Finally some remedial measures are also suggested to reduce noise pollution